The amazingly talented seamstress, Doris Hoffler Riddick, that we all knew and loved was born June 6th, 1924 in Gates County North Carolina, and transitioned to her heavenly home on August 23, 2021. She was the daughter of Mike Kater Hoffler and Olar Taylor Hoffler, who both departed this life before her. She attended New Piney Grove Missionary Church which she joined at a very young age, where she grew up singing in the choir. After relocating to New York City, New York, she joined Calvary Baptist Church but later left. Following her passion she joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church where she was a member of the SAM Ministry (Senior Adult Ministry). She later moved back to Gates County and reconnected with New Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church until her health prevented her from attending.
She attended Middle Swamp Elementary School, then attended T. S. Cooper High School where she earned her Diploma. Doris loved to sew. Every time her mother would get up from the sewing machine, she would jump right in the chair behind her and start sewing.
She married in June of 1942, and they adopted a little girl, of which her sister graciously gave up one of hers. Doris eventually moved to New York City, New York. There she sewed at Buckner’s Bridal Shop and for Count Basie’s wife, models, and even celebrities like Two Tons of Fun who were backup singers for Sylvester. She eventually took a job with the New York City Transit Authority as a railroad clerk. While working one day, a robber robbed her token booth sold tokens and everything while holding her at gunpoint. When she came home, she cut out a dress, sewed it together and wore it to church that Sunday. Sewing was like therapy for her.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, a daughter Doris Vanessa Riddick-Hicks, a grandson Edward Vincent Hicks, an adopted grandson Steven Mills, a loving sister Eola Virginia Costen, one furry four-legged grand cat Rascal and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends and church family.
A viewing and visitation will be held at the funeral home on August 31, 2021 from 4:00pm-7:00pm. A funeral service will be held on September 1, 2021 at 2:00pm at New Piney Grove Church.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Doris Riddick, please visit our floral store.